High Frequency Embryogenic Callus Induction and Whole Plant Regeneration in Japonica Rice Cv. Kitaake

A new and rapid protocol for production of embryogenic callus and plant regeneration has been reported in Oryza sativa cv. Kitaake. Callus cultures were established from seeds of Kitaake on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (3.0 mg/l), BAP (0.25 mg/l) and proline (0.6 g/l) gelled with phytagel (3.0 g/l), after 9 days of seed culturing. The embryogenic calli were regenerated on regeneration medium, i.e. MS medium supplemented with BAP (3.0 mg/l) and NAA (0.2 mg/l) and gelled with agar (8.0 g/l) in combination with phytagel (2.0 g/l) and regeneration occurred in 18 days. The regeneration percentage achieved was very high i.e 82.66% on the above medium. Rooting was achieved on half strength MS medium. The plantlets were hardened and transferred to soil in earthen pots. The regeneration protocol so developed through callus formation was highly reproducible. The plants showed normal growth and flowering under glass house conditions as well as in field conditions.